Young artist wins state competition

Nuha Azam with her winning poster. 197348_01. Picture: ROB CAREW

By Brendan Rees

An eight-year-old artist has created a stand-out poster she hopes will inspire others to stop child abuse.

Nuha Azam of Cranbourne North was named the Victorian award winner of the poster art competition for National Child Protection Week (NAPCAN) which runs from 1-7 September.

This year’s theme is ‘children thrive when their parents are well-supported’.

Children were asked to paint or draw images of boats or lighthouses as a metaphor of likening parenting to sailing a boat and to “help build the safe harbours and lighthouses that all families need.”

“I chose this boat drawing because I think it’s a good way to explain how to follow our parents,” Nuha said.

The Minaret College Officer student said she was “proud and happy” with her vibrant piece.

When asked about the message she hoped to convey to others in her artwork Nuha said: “If the children can’t ride or they worried they can follow their parents’ big boat,” she said.

Mum Shakara said her daughter’s award arrived unexpectedly in the mail.

“We are very happy and proud my daughter’s art is able to support the children’s protection week,” she said.

All artworks have been used on the NAPCAN website and social media where they have proven to be hugely popular.